The 2015 Accra floods resulted from heavy continuous rainfall in Accra, the largest city in Ghana. [1] The rain started on 1 June 2015. Other causes of this flood is as a result of the improper planning of settlement in Accra, choked gutters which block the drainage system and a few other human factors. The floods have resulted in heavy traffic on the roads in the city and also a halt in commercial activities as markets were flooded and workers trapped. [2] [3] Mayor of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Alfred Oko Vanderpuije described the flooding as critical. [4] At least 25 people have died from the flooding directly, while a petrol station explosion caused by the flooding killed at least 200 more people. [5] [6]
The Kaneshie market and its surroundings were submerged, preventing vehicles from moving. [7]
Graphic Road, home to some automobile companies and a hub for scrap dealers and other squatters, [8] was heavily flooded. The Toyota Ghana and Rana Motors showrooms were completely submerged. [9] [10]
On June 3, 2015, a GOIL fuel station near Kwame Nkrumah Interchange burnt with people and vehicles in the vicinity. [11] The fire also burnt a Forex Bureau and Pharmacy nearby. [12] Over 200 [5] people were feared dead and bodies have been moved to the 37 Military Hospital. The hospital later announced they are unable to hold more bodies. [13] [14] The cause of the fire was yet to be determined. On 4 June 2015 the Mayor of Accra Alfred Vanderpuije, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Nii Armah Ashitey and President John Mahama visited the scene. [15]
— President Mahama declared 3 days' national mourning for the victims affected by the flood and explosion. The government also released GH₵ 60 million to support victims. [16] [17]